With the increasing number of bikes around Grounds, we need an agreement or at least an understanding between pedestrians and bikers. The tension between the two is coming from a combination of misunderstanding, lack of awareness, and in some cases disregard for the rules.
I've been both, a pedestrian and a biker (and a driver) around Grounds. My first times biking, I made all the rookie mistakes, got honked at, and bent a few rules, but from all of these experiences, I've concluded that it's easier for everyone if you follow the rules and that you should never criticize something if you have never done it.
As a biker having to pay attention to pedestrians, I would like the pedestrians to note:
1. It may seem like bikers are inconsiderate and reckless for speeding along the road while you are trying to cross in a crosswalk, but know that bikes run on momentum and it's difficult to stop quickly for one pedestrian. And after stopping, it's very hard to get going again (so we try not to stop at all costs).
2. Walk in the crosswalks where bikes can expect you - if you jay walk, there are no guarantees! From Clark library, there are so many pedestrians, it's like sensory overload, so concentrating yourselves into crosswalks would be helpful for drivers and bikers. In addition, be intentional with your actions - walk, run, don't just stand there!
3. Pedestrians, while the crosswalks seem like safety bubbles, please look before crossing for your own safety, don't just jump out into traffic! Mistakes happen and we all need to take care of our own safety, rather than put our safety in the hands of others.
4. Bike lanes are for bikes, not runners. You all have your sidewalks.
As for the bikers:
1. Bikes are technically vehicles and although sometimes it's convenient for us to function as pedestrians, we need to obey vehicle rules. As vehicle operators, we need to obey lights, one-way street signs, and use turn signals. It's very easy to disregard these rules for your own convenience, but when you use the rules, you are predictable and help pedestrians and cars know your intentions.
2. Bikes should not ride on sidewalks or in crosswalks. Again, these are designated pedestrian areas. You can risk hitting a pedestrian or getting hit by a car if you use a crosswalk rather than the light. Is it worth getting to class one minute earlier?
3. We are lucky to have bike lanes (on Rugby and around town), so use them in the right direction of traffic - you will be travelling where you are expected and hopefully no accidents will happen.
Again, in an ideal world, we would all follow the rules and hopefully have no accidents. Accidents happen because of the unexpected - so pedestrians, bikers, and drivers, be intentional and safe with your actions when travelling around Grounds.
Lauren Ulmer\nSARC III
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